Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Diabetes, excessive eating? Hello Doctor, I experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction a while ago, which caused a loss of appetite. Now that my symptoms have improved, I find myself eating a lot. Today, I skipped breakfast, had a bowl of fried chicken rice for lunch, half ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes is usually caused by a combination of long-term dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and genetics. It is not typically caused by short-term dietary changes. The main concern with short-term overeating is actually obesity. It is recommended to practice dietar...[Read More] Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Consult a doctor regarding examination issues? Doctor, I would like to ask if this is really not a concern? Although the family medicine doctor told me today that it’s okay and not to worry too much. These two red numbers are Lymphocyte 54.7% and Neutrophil Seg. However, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the blood cell part, it is indeed as your physician mentioned. If the white blood cell count is normal, the neutrophils and lymphocytes are just a matter of ratio and usually do not require concern. As for the cholesterol levels, the elevation is likely due to a ...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Can You Contract HIV from Blood or Saliva Contact Without Open Wounds?
HIV infection Hello doctor, I have bruising on my hand but no external injury. If I come into contact with a cup containing the blood of an HIV-positive patient or saliva, can I contract HIV?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not lead to contracting HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Blood or Saliva Contact Without Open Wounds?
Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Infection issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I asked you some questions: 1. You mentioned that the chance of infection from being splashed with blood containing the HIV virus in the eyes, nose, or mouth with an open wound is low. Does this mean that if I accidentally get splashe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. On one hand, the infectiousness through this route is low, and on the other hand, the immune system can clear it. 2. It will not. 3. This will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
HIV infection issues Hello Doctor: 1. I would like to ask, there are articles stating that HIV in blood quickly becomes inactive when exposed to air. If someone with a bleeding hand sprays blood into my eyes, nasal cavity, or mouth, especially if I have an open wound, is there ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The chance of infection should be low. 2. Yes. 3. The likelihood is very low. 4. This is not a mode of transmission. 5. You will not be infected. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Antibiotic dosage Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for 4 days due to a peritonsillar abscess. During my hospital stay, I received antibiotic injections, and I felt much better upon discharge. The doctor prescribed oral Curran 1000 mg for 7 days, to be taken twice a day, with 2 t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether a medication overdose requires a blood test to check drug levels is indeed a consideration. However, the nausea you mentioned is a common side effect of this antibiotic and can occur even at normal dosages. Experiencing nausea does not necessarily indicate an overd...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
HIV infection If you have small cuts on your hands and are washing utensils that have been used by someone else, there is a risk of HIV infection if those utensils have saliva or blood from the other person. Additionally, if the other person has a wound that comes into contact wi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned do not carry any risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Generalized urticaria and elevated C4 complement levels? Hello doctor, I noticed many small papules on my body on October 9th, particularly on my arms and legs. They are not painful, but sometimes itchy (I'm not sure if it's due to friction from clothing). I had blood d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated C4 levels can occur when the body is experiencing discomfort, including infections. Generally speaking, elevated complement C3 and C4 levels are usually not concerning, while low levels often indicate abnormalities in immune function. ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Anemia Hello doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and recently had blood tests that showed some abnormal results: WBC: 7.15 (3.6-11.2) normal, RBC: 3.87 (4.5-5.7) abnormal, HB: 12.5 (13.7-17) abnormal, HCT: 37.0 (40.5-50) abnormal, MCV: 95.6 (80-100) norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If ankylosing spondylitis is poorly controlled, it may lead to anemia. Your inflammatory markers are normal, indicating that your ankylosing spondylitis is relatively stable, and the anemia may not be caused by a rheumatic disease. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Steroid dosage usage Hello Dr. Gao, my mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May of this year. During the infection, she did not experience any severe symptoms. However, one month after testing negative, she developed unexplained muscle pain in both legs, whi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Steroids can be taken on an alternating schedule, which is a method we use to gradually taper the dosage when there isn't a lower dose formulation available for adjustment. Steroids may cause edema and can also affect sleep, so it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Needle-related issues Dear Dr. Hong, I am a nurse at a hospital, and a few days ago, I accidentally experienced a needle stick injury while on the intensive care unit. I have already followed the protocol for screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, I am still very...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the conditions you mentioned are mostly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not transmitted through needle stick injuries. The primary diseases associated with needle stick injuries are HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. It is recommended to follow the needle...[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Hello, I would like to inquire about infection issues? On the morning of September 3rd, around 10 AM, I had a blood test for a gynecological check-up. In the afternoon, I noticed itching on the back of my hand. I went to the pharmacy, explained the situation, and bought an ointme...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
HIV issues I would like to ask the doctor, when I went to the restroom in the dormitory at night to change my sanitary pad, I found blood on the floor afterward. I'm not sure if it was mine. Then I used a piece of toilet paper from the trash can to wipe it up, but I forgot i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Is there a risk of HIV infection? I know I might be overly anxious, but I still want to consult a doctor. Getting an answer from a medical professional might help ease my mind. Two days ago, an older woman asked me how to rent a Ubike, and during that time, I took her phone to as...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my blood test results came back as follows: Ant-TPO: greater than 600, Ant-Tg: 351.6, Thyroglobulin: 0.34, TSH: 4.18, T4: 0.69. I would like to inquire what these values indicate regarding whether the medication is effectively con...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for thyroid function tests may vary slightly among different testing laboratories, so it is necessary to return to the original healthcare facility to confirm the interpretation.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Prediabetes Hello doctor, my most recent health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 5.7%, red blood cell count of 4.56 million cells/µL, hemoglobin of 14 g/dL, MCV of 88.6 fL, and hematocrit of 40.4%. Prior to the health check, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current report indicates prediabetes. Please start with dietary control and follow up in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?